Sonic 4 Episode 2 Review

Online / Offline Co Op
When it comes to Multiplayer, Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 2 gets it right. This is because it feels like a difference experience, over being an easier version of the game. You see, since someone is in control of Tails, a number of things differ greatly. For instance when you use a partner skill, the person controlling Tails needs to complete to perform the task. This can be problematic, as activating the skill will cause it to happen regardless of where you are, which can vastly change what is going on. However, this can also open up new ways to play, since it will allow you to go different paths or simply perform harder areas with ease.

Detailed Backgrounds and Great Tunes
The one element that stands out in Episode 2, are the vivid backgrounds. Not only are they good, they’re also extremely detailed. When looking in the background, you can see several things going on at once. Like oil pumps moving, trains flowing or just objects blinking. What really sells them is not the fantastic look, but the clever use of depth. While progressing through a stage, you will see each element appear and disappear based off their relative distance to you. This effect really makes you feel like you’re progressing and makes the backgrounds stand out. All of this is complemented by the music, which feels like it was taken right out of the original game. If you were a fan of the original sonic beats and melodies, then you’re sure to enjoy them in Episode 2.

NOT

Pointless Collectibles
Like previous titles, the red star rings are back, though they’re frankly a waste of time. Outside of filling a slot next to the level and unlocking a trophy / achievement, the coins don’t actually do anything.  Additionally most of them are along the path to the end, so it’s not even like they add replay value either. Most of the others are within plain sight, so some back tracking may be required to get them. Thankfully the Chaos Emeralds appear once more, though the true ending is hardly worth the effort to get them.

Playing as Miles Sucks

As mentioned earlier, Episode 2 lets you take control of Tails. Naturally this sounds like a fantastic idea, but the game was clearly meant to be played as Sonic. Due to this, Tails feels out of place for many of the actual objectives and to my knowledge is unable to transverse some challenges alone. Since you can’t complete certain area’s alone, you’re forced to wait for your partner to do them or the inevitable death. Thankfully he does have some uses, like the final boss is a joke with his ability to fly, though these uses are far and few between.

VERDICT

Episode 2 is everything that the Episode 1 should have been.  With the new elements and return of several popular things, fans are sure to enjoy it. New comers are sure to have some fun, as the online mode can be quite enjoyable with a good partner. In the end, if you’re looking to enjoy Sonic in HD, then you can’t miss with this game.

[Editor’s Note: Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 2 was reviewed on the Playstation 3 platform. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]